Tesco launches budget 7-inch tablet

By Edd Gent

Published Monday, September 23, 2013

Tesco has launched a budget tablet computer in the hope of attracting customers previously priced out of owning one.

The seven-inch Hudl, priced at £119, runs on Android’s Jellybean 4.2.2 operating system, has a high-definition widescreen display, nine hours of video battery life, and 16GB of memory, which can be extended to 48GB.

The possibility of the supermarket giant releasing a tablet was first revealed last month, with analysts saying the move could be risky for a non-technology company like Tesco, but chief executive Philip Clarke said the firm felt there was a niche for an affordable tablet.

He said: "Hudl is a colourful, accessible tablet for the whole family to enjoy. The first stage in our tablet offering, it's convenient, integrated and easy to use with no compromise on spec.

"Being online is an increasingly essential part of family life and whilst tablets are on the rise, usage is still quite limited.

"We feel the time is right for Tesco to help widen tablet ownership and bring the fun, convenience and excitement of tablets to even more customers across the UK. The digital revolution should be for the many, not for the few."

Tesco Clubcard customers will be able to get their hands on a Hudl for less than £100 and the tablet has an in-built Tesco launcher button, which allows users to shop, see their Clubcard points, watch movies on Tesco's Blinkbox system, and listen to music.

It also comes with a range of in-built apps, including YouTube and Google Chrome, and users can download new apps on Google Play.

Tesco's tablet, which comes in black, blue, red and purple, has wifi , Bluetooth and a micro HDMI port and is designed to be easy to use.